In his regular blog for Caerphilly Observer South Wales East AM Lindsay Whittle gives his take on recent news.
Disability Hate Crime
A debate in the Assembly highlighted the stigma put upon benefit claimants as the result of the UK Government’s Welfare Reform changes.
Plaid Cymru has already voiced concerns at the cynical way claimants genuinely entitled to their benefits are being deprived of them, and I addressed the issue of the stigma that this approach encourages.
The number of disability-related hate crimes reported to police increases year on year and this increase will accelerate as Welfare Reform changes continue to encourage suspicion of benefit claimants.
While the Welsh Government is taking steps to tackle the issue of disability related harassment in Wales, the UK Government continues to undermine this work by its cynical approach to the disabled.
Wheelchairs
I also spoke on an Assembly debate which urged the Welsh Government to monitor its spending on wheelchair services.
The Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Wales Neurological Alliance have told AMs that there has been virtually no progress in meeting the key target of 18 weeks between the referral and the delivery of a wheelchair. This applies to both powered and non-powered types and that is just not good enough.
This delay is particularly affecting those suffering from Motor Neurone Disease. Half of the people with MND die within 14 months of diagnosis. Rapid access to a wheelchair is all the more vital for those people to maintain their dignity, independence and mobility.
The MS Society has argued the case for wheelchair services to be organised around the seven health board and it is worth consideration.
Gofal
It was a pleasure to attend the service user conference organised by the mental health charity Gofal.
One in four people experience a mental health problem in any year and it is important to highlight the importance of people being able to talk openly and positive about their mental health and wellbeing. There is no reason why people suffering mental health problems cannot lead a normal life as possible.
Lindsay Whittle
Plaid Cymru South Wales East AM